Maintain earth banks or stone-faced hedgebanks

What you must do

You must maintain earth banks or stone-faced hedgebanks entered into this action in good condition. To do this, you must: visually check their condition and identify any sections that need to be repaired carry out any necessary repairs keep a record (written or photographic) of any need for repairs you identify, and the repair work you do – including the date you identify the need and when the work was done retain any existing features such as top stones, sheep creeps, stiles and stone gate posts When you carry out any necessary repairs, you must retain any existing features such as top stones, sheep crops, stiles and stone gate posts.

When to do it

You must: check the condition of the banks at least once during each year of this action’s 3-year duration carry out any necessary repairs within 12 months of identifying the need, or by this action’s end date if you identify need for repairs during the final year of this action’s duration

Evidence to keep

You must keep the required written or photographic record and supply this evidence if we ask for it.

SFI26 actions v2.0, updated 7 July 2026 — verified 1 Aug 2026. Open official guidance